Trees and Stormwater Benefits

I came across a new article from Columbia University that added some additional insight into how trees can help mitigate storm water. A recent study by Columbia University showed that trees in an urban/city setting that were planted and protected by a tree barrier, grate, fence etc. had a greater capacity to absorb storm water than those that did not. In fact the study showed that trees were 6 times more effective in absorbing storm water runoff when protected by barriers. This makes perfect sense as compacted soil(s) and a compacted root area is less permeable to water than an un compacted area. So its not just planting trees but protecting their planting space itself that leads to an increase in storm water mitigation. Interesting read for sure and if you would like to see the full article please follow the below web link:

 

Credit Lizzie Adkins, Columbia University



https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180123171505.htm

Trees and Bioswales

Trees have many benefits but one of the most important revolves around their capacity to mitigate and filter storm water discharge as a component of a bioswale. Bioswales are storm water runoff conveyance systems that provide an alternative to storm sewers. They can absorb low flows or carry runoff from heavy rains to storm sewer inlets or directly to surface waters. Bioswales improve water quality by infiltrating the first flush of storm water runoff and filtering the large storm flows they convey. Trees have a large capacity to intercept rainwater by capturing rain droplets with their canopy and absorbing rainwater through their root zones. In addition recent studies have shown that trees grow better in bioswales and improve rainwater filtration by creating channels through the soil profile. For additional information on bioswales and trees please visit the below weblinks:

http://www.deeproot.com/blog/blog-entries/research-shows-trees-in-bioswales-provide-significant-stormwater-benefits

http://stormwater.wef.org/2015/10/study-examines-performance-trees-bioswales/